Skype for Outlook.com finally goes worldwide

Microsoft has announced the worldwide availability of Skype for Outlook.com.

The rollout follows last year's preview version, which brought video calling and messaging to the Redmond-based firm's email service in select markets.

"Now we're excited to celebrate this milestone with our customers around the world. We've also made some improvements that will make your experience even better," Microsoft's Karen Tong wrote in a post on the official Skype blog.

Users can seamlessly connect with Skype friends directly from their Outlook.com inbox, making it easy to switch from chatting or emailing to a video call.

To get started, you can download the plug-in, link your Skype account, and start communicating without leaving your email window.

Need to hash out some emailed details via a face-to-virtual-face confab? With a few taps of the mouse, you'll be discussing important details without the delay of email servers.

The latest version of the plug-in comes with Mac support for Safari, while the global version now supports HD video calling for PC users who have compatible HD displays, webcams, messaging clients, and broadband Internet.

"We know that face-to-face conversation brings people closer together, and we are excited to make richer and more engaging connections possible," Tong said.

Additional updates include a fix to the problem of continuous ringing after pickup for users running the Outlook plug-in and the desktop application at the same time.

Outlook.com launched in the summer of 2012, and gained 25 million active users in less than four months and has received numerous accolades.